Physical Science
4 courses · Merced College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
PHSC-01 Introduction to Physical and Earth Science
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is an introductory course presenting the nature of physical, earth, and space sciences and their relationship to other areas of scientific knowledge. The course will develop the major concepts and give an understanding of the general principles of physical, earth, and space science. As an introductory class, the course of study will focus on major principles and applications to modern observations and phenomena. This course is designed to meet the content requirement for physical science and for earth and space science for the Liberal Studies - Elementary Teaching preparation pathway. (02/20)
PHSC-01L Introduction to Physical and Earth Science Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours lab
- Corequisite
- PHSC-01 (one-way)
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This introductory laboratory is designed to provide hands-on exploration in parallel with topics covered in the lecture course, PHSC-01. Emphasis will be placed on 1) classical science experimentation, 2) laboratory activities in the real world, and 3) support of the laboratory activities through use of modern technologies. Students planning on becoming K-12 teachers will find materials applicable to their future profession. (02/20)
PHSC-02 Survey of Chemistry and Physics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of intermediate algebra
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHYS 140
An investigation of basic principles of physics and chemistry including matter, physical and chemical properties, energy, motion, light, atomic structure, bonding, solutions and chemical reactions. The inter-dependence of chemistry and physics will be emphasized. This course is intended for non-science majors. (05/21)
PHSC-02L Survey of Chemistry and Physics Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of intermediate algebra
- Corequisite
- PHSC-02 (one-way)
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHYS 140
This introductory laboratory is designed to provide a hands-on exploration in parallel with the topics covered in the introduction to Survey of Chemistry and Physics lecture course - Physical Science 2. Emphasis will be placed on (1) classical science experimentation, (2) laboratory activities in the real world, and (3) support of the laboratory activities through use of modern technologies. This course is intended for non-science majors. (05/21)